Title race hots up as Cards travel to relegation battlers Hungerford

Glen Harrington - 28th February 2019

Hungerford Town vs Woking
Vanarama National League South
Saturday 2nd March 2019

The National League South title race threatened to take another twist on Tuesday evening as both Woking and leaders Torquay United rode their luck against lesser opposition. Both eventually emerged victorious to leave the Gulls one point clear at the top of the table but the Cards will be aiming to ramp up the pressure once again this weekend with a positive result against struggling Hungerford Town.

It was the perfect response to last weekend’s disappointment as Armani Little’s brilliantly taken goal earned Alan Dowson’s side a hard-fought 1-0 win over Truro City as the Cards overcame both a long mid-week journey and difficult playing conditions to make it four wins in five. Meanwhile, Torquay left it late against East Thurrock United, but a stoppage time winner gave Gary Johnson’s side a 2-1 win and maintained their narrow advantage at the summit – while the pair are now seven and eight points clear respectively of third place Billericay Town, with both still having a game in hand.

Hungerford will also be desperate for three points on Saturday, albeit for a very different reason, as they look to narrow the four-point gap between themselves and Gloucester City who occupy the final spot outside of the relegation places. The Crusaders, who finished 19th last season, have taken 26 points from their 32 games so far, with seven wins and five draws to show for their efforts. Unfortunately for Ian Herring’s side they also have the second worst defence in the league this season with 64 goals conceded – only Tuesday’s opponents Truro (65) have conceded more. Their recent form isn’t great either with five defeats from their last six games – although the one exception was an incredible 5-0 thrashing of play-off hopefuls St Albans City. Their last two games have been a 3-1 loss to Chippenham and a 1-0 defeat to Welling.

The team would appreciate your continued support this weekend so please make the journey if you can and cheer on the team.

Woking Team News

The Cards were able to name a strong team on Tuesday night and, barring any late additions or injury problems, it would be unsurprising to see Dowse name the same starting line-up.

Little’s return from suspension allowed Nathan Collier to return to his more natural position of right-back, whilst former Welling United midfielder Olu Durojaiye made his debut alongside the Oxford United loanee in the centre of the park, with Christian Jolley rested. Jake Hyde also made his return to the starting line-up alongside Dave Tarpey with Greg Luer dropping to the bench. Max Kretzschmar meanwhile continued his comeback from injury with another 20 minutes at Truro and no doubt fans will be hoping to see a bit more of their top scorer come Saturday.

Hungerford Team News

Last time out Hungerford started with Michael Luyambula in goal; in defence was Marcus Johnson-Schuster, Matt Jones, Marvel Ekpiteta, James Rusby and Joshua Martin; in midfield was Tom Anderson, Alfie Whittingham, Rhys Kavanagh and Darren Foxley; up front was Danilo Orsi-Dadomo.

There are no former Woking players in their current squad although Bradbury did spend time there earlier this season – scoring once in six games.

On the Day

The Town Ground can be found on Bulpit Lane and has the postcode RG17 0AY – it’s around a one hour and 30-minute drive from the Laithwaite Community Stadium. The nearest station is Hungerford which is a 15-minute walk from the ground. The Cards Trust are planning on running a coach to this game and tickets can be booked by contacting Adam Bowyer via adam.bowyer@cardstrust.co.uk. Matchday ticket prices are £12 for adults, £6 for concessions, £6 for youth (14-16) and free for those under the age of 14 when accompanied by an adult.

Next Up

The Cards complete a run of four successive away games on Tuesday evening when they travel to Banstead Athletic in the quarter-final of the Surrey Senior Cup. Our next league game is at home to Chippenham Town next Saturday as we enter our final 10 games of the season.